Press release

Fri, Jun 21st 2013 03:15 pm

Assemblyman
John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, today passed legislation to protect children from
abuse by increasing penalties for those who repeatedly assault them. The
legislation requires that a sentence of assault in the first degree be handed
down to a defendant who has previously been convicted of either assault of a
child or attempted assault of a child. This ensures that people who repeatedly
assault children cannot plead down to a lesser charge and are kept behind bars.

Ceretto
noted the importance of this legislation in light of the tragedy involving
North Tonawanda resident Jay Bolvin, who is living with the effects of being
repeatedly abused.

"As
the father of four children, the thought of a person who repeatedly assaults
children pleading down their charge and getting out to abuse more children
disgusts me," Ceretto said. "This critical legislation requiring a charge of
assault in the first degree for repeat offenders will help keep these deranged
individuals away from our children. As a parent and a legislator, I am proud to
pass this important measure in honor of Jay Bolvin in the hopes that we can
prevent future tragedies."

Bolvin
was beaten as an infant by his father in 2011. His father was convicted of
assault in the third degree in 2007, after breaking his other son's arm. After
beating Jay, his father pled down to third degree assault and attempted second-degree
assault, and was only sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison. As a result of
the beating, Bolvin suffered 11 broken bones and was left with epilepsy.

Ceretto's
camp said this is unjust, and that the legislation is aimed to deliver justice
for Jay and children like him.